BAYAN calls on P-NOY to end killings

People's organizations led by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) marched from the España Blvd to the Mendiola bridge near the Malacanang Palace last July 19 to call on the Aquino Administration to end extra-judicial killings against activists.

In a statement, BAYAN secretary general Renato Reyes said that President Benigno Aquino should condemn and junk the counter-insurgency program OPLAN BANTAY LAYA of the former administration and end political killings.

There are three victims of political killings under the new Aquino government so far, on top of 1,205 victims of extra-judicial killings under the Arroyo regime. Oplan Bantay Laya (Operation Freedom Watch) is the military counter-insurgency plan that is being blamed for thousands of human rights violation in the last nine years. 

Kodao Productions. Jaime de Guzman and Mona Bernardo

Bayan Muna Calls for an immediate investigation of Baldomero's killing

Members of Bayan Muna Partylist together with human rights advocate group KARAPATAN and Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) today held a protest in Mendiola to condemn the assassination of Fernando I. Baldomero of Lezo, Aklan, who was shot dead early yesterday.

Baldomero is a Sangguniang Bayan member and Bayan Muna provincial coordinator Lezo, Aklan. It is the first case of political killings under Aquino-regime.

In a statement, Bayan Muna representative Teddy Casiño demands an immediate and thorough investigation on the possible involvement of military and military-backed death squads in this continuing climate of impunity against government critics. He also stressed that Baldomero is the first and should be the last victim of extrajudicial killing under the Aquino government.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) through  Renato Reyes said Mr. Aquino should use the full force of law to arrest the perpetrators. BAYAN also remind Aquino of his avowed commitment to end extrajudicial killings and punish their perpetrators.

Meanwhile, KARAPATAN Chair Marie Hilao-Enriquez calls on the present administration to immediately conduct an investigation, and to arrest and punish the perpetrators of the Baldomero killing. Enriquez added that the complete justice announcement of Aquino is nothing if the political killing and impunity is still prevalent and continuing.

Militant groups deemed the incident as part of the ongoing counter-insurgency program OPLAN BANTAY LAYA (Operation freedom watch) of the Armed Forces of the Philippine

A personal appeal for the May 10 elections

Dear Friends,

This Monday, we go to the polls to elect a new set of officials for our country. Let us take this opportunity to vote into office progressive leaders whose integrity is beyond doubt; whose commitment to serve our people and readiness to sacrifice self-interest for the common good is matched by their track record.

For partylist, please vote Bayan Muna (number 122 on the ballot).

I am currently one of Bayan Muna's representatives in Congress and, with your support, hope to serve for a third and final term. My fellow nominees, Atty. Neri Colmenares and Atty. Joven Laura, are brilliant lawyers who have chosen the less trodden path of human rights and public interest lawyering. Together, we shall continue to be a voice of the marginalized and underrepresented sectors in Congress, advocates of genuine reform and social change, and examples of righteous, principled and competent leadership.

Senator Chiz Escudero for Liza Maza and Satur Ocampo

Senator Chiz Escudero endorses Nationalista Party guest senatorial candidates Satur Ocampo and Liza Maza during the unveiling of Ka Bel's sculpture in Plaza Miranda.